Lifelink is a keyword ability in “Magic: The Gathering” (MTG) that allows a player to gain life equal to the damage their creatures deal. For instance, if a creature with lifelink deals three damage, its controller gains three life. The creature or spell with lifelink can use this ability to deal damage of any kind; it is not just limited to combat damage. Importantly, the life gain from lifelink occurs simultaneously with the damage being dealt, which means it can save a player from lethal damage in some situations​​​​.
Lifelink first appeared as an official keyword in the MTG set “Future Sight” in 2007, but the mechanic existed in the game before this, with creatures like “Warrior Angel” from the Stronghold set offering a similar effect. Typically found on black or white creatures, and occasionally on green ones, lifelink is an evergreen mechanic, meaning it’s a standard feature in virtually every MTG set. The ability is essential to life gain strategies and can be a crucial part of both offensive and defensive gameplay​​.
In offensive strategies, lifelink creatures help maintain a high life total while dealing damage to the opponent. In defensive scenarios, they act as a deterrent against attacks, as blocking or being blocked by a lifelink creature results in life gain for the creature’s controller. Some of the most notable lifelink cards in MTG include “Vito, Thorn of the Dusk Rose”, “Heliod, Sun-Crowned”, “Serra Ascendant”, “Griselbrand”, and “Felidar Sovereign”​​​​.
To counter lifelink in opponents’ decks, strategies like using lifegain prevention spells, employing removal or counterspells, or in the case of the Commander format, focusing on commander damage can be effective​​.
Overall, mastering the lifelink mechanic in MTG involves understanding its timing, recognizing its role in various game scenarios, and integrating it effectively into both deck building and gameplay.
